Cashing In for College

Story & Photo by: Alyson Svec

Students at Texas State University are concerned about the rising costs of college tuition.

Public four-year colleges charge an average of $7,605 per year in tuition for in-state students, according to CollegeBoard. This total does not include housing, food, books or supplies.

Stacy Krupala, 22-year-old student is concerned about the rising costs of college and how this will affect her in the future.

“If it increases, I may not have the means or funds to afford college to further my education,” said Krupala.

Krupala started at a community college because it was more affordable and was in her hometown, so she did not have to drive far. She works and saves money by placing it in a special account for college spending.

Cody Lindemann has already been affected by tuition costs and does not want to see them rise.

“It will take longer for me and it will be harder to get my life settled and started,” said Lindemann.

Lindemann took a year off from school because he could not afford it. He worked full-time instead and attended the following year. Yet, he also feels that college is not meant for everyone, and there are other ways to make a living other than having an education.

21-year-old student, Jessica Montez, believes the cost of college will eventually affect her, but knows how important attending college is regardless of the cost.

“On a scale of one to five of importance, I would say a five. Everyone needs a higher education,” said Montez.

Montez deposits money in her savings and also applies for Financial Aid, which is the main contributor for her to pay for college.

Steven Levinson, 18-year-old student, does not apply for Financial Aid, but also believes in the importance of education and saved money by starting off at a community college.

“I was only going for basics and I was paying for it myself so it was the smartest thing to do,” said Levinson.

Although Levinson does not know how the college costs will affect him in the future, he continues to work and puts money in his savings.

Use the College Cost Calculator to get an estimate of future college tuition costs. Students differ on the ways to save and make money, but are all concerned about how their future education may be affected.